AMD64 3500 / 3800 / FX 53

[Giantwasp]

I am trying to decide which CPU to buy for my new rig.

Orignally I was thinking of getting a FX-53 but looking at the price difference I am thinking I would be wasting my money. And could by either a 3500 or a 3800 now and then a FX53 later when the price drops for the same price as buying a FX 53.
Note I am going by UK prices not US so the comparison might not be the same as in the US.
approx Prices are:

3500 - £250
3800 - £430
FX 53 - £570

Given the price difference I am thinking I might be better with a 3500. Although I would be interested in paying more for a more powerful chip, as long as I am not being screwed on price

The processor will be most used for Gaming and Compiling.
I have never overclocked before but I might be tempted to do so next year to keep up with the cutting edge

 

[Acanthus]

None of the top tier chips OC very well, just fair warning. These chips are near the limit of their yield and even with voltage increases dont go far beyond default clocks. (10% at the most)

Id go with a 3500+ the price difference is a large jump for very little performance.

 

[The Green Bean]

depends on ur budget

 

[Dman877]

The cheapest chip is almost always the "best value."

 

[Giantwasp]

Originally posted by: Acanthus
None of the top tier chips OC very well, just fair warning. These chips are near the limit of their yield and even with voltage increases dont go far beyond default clocks. (10% at the most)

That shouldn't be too much of a problem as I am not really looking for OCing I just might have a go later to get a bit more juice from the chip

Originally posted by: hatim
depends on ur budget

I can budget for the FX 53 if I am going to get the extra benefit from it. but would rather spend the money on other things if I am only getting a slight performance gain.

 

[Rudee]

Originally posted by: Dman877
The cheapest chip is almost always the "best value."

Not neccessarily. A chip which costs more but has more upgrade possibility is of more value than a chip which costs less but has limited upgrade possibility. This is more in line with the motherboard than the chip itself.